unlicensed

adjective

un·​li·​censed ˌən-ˈlī-sᵊn(t)st 

: not licensed: such as

a

: not authorized or permitted by a license

unlicensed merchandise

an unlicensed firearm

the unlicensed reproduction of books

b

: operating without a license

unlicensed vendors

an unlicensed electrician

unlicensed brokers

unlicensed drivers

Examples of unlicensed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chicago aldermen approved a sweeping ban outlawing unlicensed businesses in the city from selling all but a few hemp products. —Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026

These collaborations demonstrated that generative AI models could be built around identifiable creators without relying on unlicensed datasets or extractive training practices. —Virginie Berger, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

The lawsuit alleges that ChatGPT shifted from being a source of information to acting as a confidante and an unlicensed therapist, ultimately encouraging Gordon toward suicide. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026

Just like Frankenstein, I’ve been pieced together by an unlicensed European surgeon. —Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unlicensed

• licenced
• licensed

Medical Definition

unlicensed

adjective

un·​li·​censed

variants or chiefly British unlicenced

-ˈlīs-ᵊn(t)st

: not licensed

especially, of a drug : not approved for use by the appropriate regulating authority (as the Food and Drug Administration in the United States)